When the owners of i Fratelli (which means "the brothers" in Italian - the owners are the four Cole brothers) began planning the move of their successful strip-mall restaurant to a new freestanding location, they also decided to take the leap from the previously successful casual atmosphere to upscale dining and a formal wine bar.
But, maintaining the family atmosphere and family-friendly prices were also in the owners' plan - the result being that customers would get even more for their money. Today, families fill the restaurant every night of the week, affirming the sense of heritage that was the dream - and realization - of the Cole brothers.
Special Design Feature
Creating an elegant wine bar - one that would be beautiful and unique, and would emphasize wine and encourage conversation - was a priority to i Fratelli's owners. Those goals were achieved by showcasing wine in custom wine storage and by using granite, brick, dark wood, sparkling mosaic tiles, and accent lighting, as well as by eliminating televisions.
A long, waving wall of dark wood and metal custom wine racks establish uniqueness to the restaurant while achieving partial visual division between two levels of intimate dining. Glowing cubes of translucent resin also form vertical storage for wine bottles between the guests in the entry and those dining.
